A New Trend in Love: Pitching Friends at Pub Events
In a world where dating apps dominate the landscape, a new and unconventional trend is gaining traction among young Australians. Instead of relying on swiping and superficial profiles, friends are stepping in to help their single mates find love through unique events that bring people together in real life.
This trend has emerged as a response to the growing frustration with dating apps, which often lead to disappointment and burnout. A 2024 Forbes study revealed that 75% of Gen Z singles using platforms like Tinder, Hinge, or Bumble felt burnt out and struggled to form genuine connections. In contrast, these new events offer a refreshing alternative by focusing on personal relationships and real-world interactions.
The Concept Behind ‘Pitch Your Friend’ Nights
The idea of “Pitch Your Friend” nights involves friends creating PowerPoint-style presentations to introduce their single friends to a group of potential matches. This format allows for a more authentic and engaging experience compared to the traditional online dating approach.
Co-founder of matchmaking company Pitch Perfect Match, Selani Adikari, believes that friends are better matchmakers because they know someone best and can highlight their qualities in a way that the individual might not feel comfortable doing themselves. She emphasizes that friendships reflect a person’s true self, and when friends present their friends, it gives others a deeper insight into who they are.
Why This Approach Works
According to Sarah Cheney, events and reservations manager at Forrester’s in Surry Hills, this approach challenges the superficial nature of dating apps. While apps rely on data filters such as age and height, friends see the full picture—personality, values, and quirks. This holistic view helps potential matches understand each other beyond surface-level traits.
Cheney also notes that younger generations, who have grown up with social media as their primary means of connection, are seeking more meaningful interactions. They are tired of likes and DMs and are craving real-life connections that foster curiosity and empathy.
Real-Life Experiences and Success
Forrester’s first introduced the concept on Valentine’s Day and found it to be wildly successful. The next event is scheduled for September 18, and the venue has even offered to host any couple that meets and gets married after attending the event.
Scientist-turned-love-guru Samantha Jayne supports the idea, highlighting how it reveals the multidimensional qualities of individuals that are often missing in the swiping culture. She believes that when friends promote someone, it shows the connections they have in their lives and highlights the person’s value.
Jayne also points out that there has been a drastic decline in singles using dating apps. While the initial excitement of having options can be a confidence boost, the lack of genuine connections often leads to frustration. However, she notes that technology itself is useful, and the key is knowing how to use it effectively.
The Future of Dating
As this trend continues to gain momentum, it offers a fresh perspective on how people can find love. By leveraging the power of friendship and real-life interactions, these events provide a more authentic and hopeful approach to dating. They challenge the notion of judging a book by its cover and encourage people to be more curious and open-minded.
Ultimately, the success of “Pitch Your Friend” nights suggests that sometimes, the best matchmakers are the ones who know us best—our friends.
